May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
Included in this lot is an 1880 vintage Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial number 62821. Originally a 7 - 1/2" barrel that has been period cut down to 4 - 7/8" including a frontier gunsmith fashioned brass blade front sight. Chambered in .45 LC cartridge. Blue with case hardened frame and hammer. 1-piece oil-finished walnut grips. 3-line patent dates and "U.S." stamped on left side of the frame. U.S. Ordnance Department sub-inspection stamp "D.F.C." (David F. Clark) found on the barrel, frame, and cylinder. Faint cartouches visible on grips. Revolver has also been outfitted with the "button" style hammer screw for use with a "Bridgeport" gun rig. Accompanying the revolver is a period-correct cartridge/money belt with the "Patented Pistol Carrier" better known as the 'Bridgeport Rig" installed with 4 copper rivets hammered in place. On January 17, 1882 a patent was granted to Captain Louis S. Flatau, Sheriff of Camp County, Texas for a pistol and carbine carrier which he claimed eliminated the use of a holster for the revolver. This patented carrier consisted of a 2-pronged spring plate which riveted onto a waist belt. The hammer screw of the revolver was substituted by a "button" head screw approximately 7/8" long which fit into the 2-pronged plate on the waist belt. One purpose of this invention was to provide a means of hip firing of the revolver rapidly without the customary draw from the holster. The merits of this invention were first presented to the Secretary of War, Robert Lincoln on March 16, 1882 by Captain Flatau the inventor saying: "I hope you will condescend to take notice of this humble notice to yourself of an invention that will prove of great good to the Army." Flatau also presented testimonials from various lawmen from the state of Texas testifying to the merits of the device. On July 31, 1882 the Government placed an order with Hartley & Graham for 500 of the patent "Pistol Carriers" for trial. By June 26, 1883 the 500 "Pistol Carriers" were delivered to the San Antonio Arsenal. They were issued to non-commissioned officers of the Infantry and the Cavalry for trial. The relative merits of the "Pistol Carrier" were to be ascertained by the commanders of the Infantry companies and Cavalry Troops. As might be expected, the deathblow for the "Patented Pistol Carrier" came from the troops, and is explained in detail in a letter written from Fort Davis, Texas on November 30, 1883 by Captain Robert G. Gunther, reading in part "I consider the carrier inferior to the holster now in use, and the holster issued for trial" Other points objecting to the carrier were: "The revolver was only supported by the hammer screw, which would not be sufficient during stress of duty. The revolver would be exposed to weather, resulting in rusting and washing away the protective oil. The revolver would require constant watching to prevent loss during a days ride. There was no security from accident, as the hammer is exposed and could get caught by any part of the equipment, and most importantly, no trooper who has regard for his horse would shoot from the hip, even if the necessity arose, which would be doubtful.". Thus the U.S Ordnance Department abandoned the idea. The "Pistol Carrier" later became commonly known as the "Bridgeport Rig" due to the device being stamped by the name of the manufacturer "BRIDGEPORT G.I. CO." The "Bridgeport Rig" saw some popularity in the southwestern states by various lawmen and gunmen of the day, however are considered scarce with few original specimens known today. The pistol and gun rig was formally in the collection of early antique firearm collector and author Herschel C. Logan. Mr. Logan authored many gun articles and the book "Underhammer Guns" published in 1960. CONDITION: The revolver is very good overall turning a grey-brown patina overall. Bore is turning dark. Action is tight and crisp. Grips are very fine, showing modest wear. Gun rig shows expected aging, with pliable leather. The pistol carrier, originally nickel plated, is beginning to flake, turning a pleasing brown patina. Overall a scarce and very colorful example of "Old West" gun history. -MKS-
Accessories
Bridgeport Rig
Barrel Length
4 - 7/8" (cut down)
Caliber/Bore
.45 Long Colt
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Provenance